Bilqīs

(1,663 words)

Bilqīs, the name used in Islamic tradition to refer to the Queen of Sheba, whose story is recounted in the Qurʾān, in Sūrat al-Naml (Q 27:22–44). These verses narrate the story of her conversion to Islam, at the hands of Solomon. Though Solomon is referred to by name, Bilqīs is not, and is referred to only as ‘a woman’ who rules Sheba. The story of Bilqīs was widely discussed and expanded ¶ upon in the works of the early Qurʾānic commentators as well as those of the later historians.

A name of uncertain etymology, some historians claim that the name Bilqīs derives from the Greek word pallaxis, which…